Get to Know the 2017 History Teachers of the Year: John-David Bowman, Arizona

This year, the Gilder Lehrman Institute recognized 52 State History Teachers of the Year for their tireless and innovative efforts to make history come alive for their students.

But who are they, really? We asked these talented teachers to answer a few questions about themselves and to reflect on the challenges and joys of teaching. We will feature one state winner every Tuesday and Thursday between now and September, so keep checking back to learn more about these outstanding educators!

This week, meet John-David Bowman: 

John-David Bowman, Westwood High School
2017 Arizona History Teacher of the Year

Do you have a favorite/funny moment from teaching?
My favorite moments in teaching are often not actually content based. While those prove funny and enjoyable, I really relish the moments when students come back and share stories about their lives and experiences. One story I often tell is of a former student who was attending Stanford and was heavily involved with Black Lives Matter. He called me on my lunch break to ask if I would be his "in case of emergency contact." I asked him why, and he said they were planning a lie-in protest in the middle of the street. He then casually asked, if he was arrested, would I bail him out of jail. When I signed up to be a history teacher, I thought it was all about the content. The content is important, but the relationships matter the most.

State one fun historical fact about the town you live in or grew up in.
I grew up for the most part in Mesa, Arizona. It was named one of the ten most boring cities in America. Subsequently, I had a lot of time to read history books.

What was the last great history book you read?
It might not be the last great book I read, but American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House by Jon Meacham is outstanding. I really dislike Andrew Jackson as a president and presume if I had met him, as a person too. So I decided to read a biography on him to learn more. I still really dislike him, but the book is a wonderful look at the relationships and events in politics during the antebellum period.

What is your favorite historical site or museum?
I visited the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City against my will a few years ago. I was with colleagues at a conference and on an off-day they suggested we go see a steamboat that someone dug up. That sounded absolutely horrible, but I was outvoted. It is amazing!  It is basically a well-preserved time machine into the 1850s. Everyone who loves history should see it.

If you could travel back in time and meet any historical figure who would it be?
If I could meet anyone in history it would be Henry Clay. He spent his entire life trying to preserve this nation. If I could meet someone today, it would be John Lewis, who I believe to be one of the most underrated heroes of the Civil Rights era. So if Gilder Lehrman could make that happen, it would be appreciated.

What is your favorite historical film or series?
Band of Brothers is probably my favorite historical series. I love the interviews that were captured of the veterans at the beginning of each episode. Also, World War II is simply fascinating.

Do you have a favorite historical topic or era?
My favorite era to study is antebellum America, specifically the politics. People like James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, John C. Calhoun, the previously mentioned Jackson, etc., are so interesting. The struggle over expansion, slavery, and the impending Civil War shaped the nation both positively and negatively. There is a tremendous amount of nuance in the era.  

Do your students have a favorite historical topic or era?
My students love the Civil War, probably because we do a battle simulation on the football field. They also seem to enjoy World War II, the Cold War, and the Civil Rights era.